A Bit of History

The MG Car Club of Tasmania was formed on Bastille Day, 14th July 1959, when seven MG owners met in Hobart. Over the ensuing years, the Club membership grew steadily with the emphasis clearly, at that time, directed towards competition, coupled with social activities.

Initially, the Club was based in Hobart. A sub-centre was formed in Launceston and, sometime later, a sub-centre in the North-West was created. In 1975, the Club formally re-structured, with Hobart also becoming a sub-centre, with a controlling State Committee having no fixed domicile. In practice, the State Committee meets at the historic midland village of Ross.

Sub-centres operate semi-autonomously in their own region. Unfortunately, because of the de-centralised nature of the North-West, it has proven difficult to maintain a structured sub-centre in the region. However, the Club interests are well served by a keen band of members in that area, with regular social gatherings.

Realistically, it was decided early in the Club's history, that it would not be viable for each marque to form a club in the state, so the Club made membership available to owners of suitable non-MG sports cars. This arrangement, coupled with social, joint and junior membership, has served the Club very well. The Club maintains a total membership in the order of 300 and is by far the most viable car club in Tasmania.

Over the years, the Club has had close involvement with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and many members have taken, and continue to take, a role in the affairs of that body, holding positions attached to national panels.

The club came of age MG-wise, when it hosted the 1976 National Meeting in Hobart. That was the first time a meeting was held away from the Melbourne-Sydney-Adelaide circuit. The club now regularly hosts national meetings, boasting consistently high numbers of attendees.

Over time, as the MG marque has become more collectors’ cars, there has been a shift in usage away from competition and more towards social events and displays. Whatever your preference the Club has events to accommodate all tastes.